Earth day : 15 simple ways to make a difference

Happy Earth day! I compiled a list of simple things you can do to make a difference. Every little bit counts. What are you doing to make a difference?

1. If your local supermarket, bank or library is within a reasonable distance try walking or biking instead of driving. Not only is this good for the environment but for your overall health and well being.

2. Pay your bills online (saves you the extra stamp as well).

3. Bring your own reusable bags when grocery shopping or running errands. For those of you who live in Canada and own a PC points credit card, affiliated stores such as Loblaws and Independent Grocers are now offering bonus points for every reusable bag you bring in. These add up and can be redeemed for free groceries!

4. Contact your bank or credit card company and sign up for paperless statements.

5. Cloth diapering has come a long way over the last decade or so. There are many different kinds available such as prefolds, all in ones (these are easy peasy and work just like disposables), pocket diapers etc. Do your research. You'll be surprised at how easy cloth diapering can be!

6. Switch from disposable menstrual pads and tampons to products such as The Diva Cup and cloth pads. You can find some great pads online or on Etsy.

7. Eat less meat and animal products. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN says livestock production is one of the major causes of the world’s environmental problems, such as global warming, land degradation, and air and water pollution.

8. Replace your current light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

9. Try to use ceiling fans as much as possible during the summer and cut back on your air conditioning usage.

10. Compost. This not only creates beautiful soil for your garden but also cuts back on your trash major big time!

11. Breast feed your baby instead of using formula and plastic/glass bottles. Its better for baby, mama and reduces an incredible amount of waste.

12. Some magazine subscriptions offer an option to go digital instead of receiving the glossy pages in the mail. Call to see if they offer that option. If they don't, make the suggestion.

13. Bring reusable mugs/thermoses to work or to your local Starbucks/coffee shop instead of using the paper cups they offer.

14. Reuse jam, pickle, mayonnaise or other food jars for storing dried beans, pastas, flours or nuts. You can also use them to store paper cliips, buttons or other household items.

15. Cut down on access packaging by shopping at the bulk store as much as possible. Buying in bulk also saves you money as you can usually buy dried goods for much cheaper than your local supermarket.